As a concept artist, I often use 3D modeling for digital painting backgrounds and base models. I'm curious how other artists approach 3D modeling for digital painting integration.
What 3D software works best when you're planning to paint over the models in Photoshop or other 2D painting software? I'm looking for tools that make it easy to create basic forms, set up lighting, and then export clean renders for painting.
Specifically, I'm interested in 3D software that has good material previews, easy camera controls, and the ability to export with clean edges and good topology. Some software seems better suited for final 3D renders rather than painting bases.
What's your workflow for using 3D modeling as a foundation for digital painting? And which 3D software have you found most helpful for this kind of concept art work?
For 3D modeling for digital painting, I use Blender almost exclusively. The workflow is really smooth once you set it up properly. I create basic models in Blender, set up lighting and materials, then render out passes to paint over in Photoshop.
What makes Blender good for this is the compositor and render layers. You can render out separate passes for diffuse, specular, shadows, etc., and composite them in Blender or export them individually for painting. The Eevee renderer is fast enough for quick previews while you're setting up your scene.
The key is to keep the 3D models simple. You're not creating final renders - you're creating painting aids. Focus on getting the proportions, perspective, and lighting right, then paint over the details.
What 3D software works best when you're planning to paint over the models in Photoshop or other 2D painting software? I'm looking for tools that make it easy to create basic forms, set up lighting, and then export clean renders for painting.
Specifically, I'm interested in 3D software that has good material previews, easy camera controls, and the ability to export with clean edges and good topology. Some software seems better suited for final 3D renders rather than painting bases.
What's your workflow for using 3D modeling as a foundation for digital painting? And which 3D software have you found most helpful for this kind of concept art work?
For 3D modeling for digital painting, I use Blender almost exclusively. The workflow is really smooth once you set it up properly. I create basic models in Blender, set up lighting and materials, then render out passes to paint over in Photoshop.
What makes Blender good for this is the compositor and render layers. You can render out separate passes for diffuse, specular, shadows, etc., and composite them in Blender or export them individually for painting. The Eevee renderer is fast enough for quick previews while you're setting up your scene.
The key is to keep the 3D models simple. You're not creating final renders - you're creating painting aids. Focus on getting the proportions, perspective, and lighting right, then paint over the details.
